Smooth Jazz comes to the NPAC

Wednesday, October 03, 2012 8:00 PM

VAN WERT - After a quarter of a century of producing and performing contemporary jazz around the world, Russ Freeman and The Rippingtons continue to make waves. The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio is honored to present this talented jazz ensemble on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this show go on sale Thursday, Oct. 4 at noon through the box office, by phone at (419) 238-6722, or online at www.npacvw.org or Facebook.

Russ Freeman is the founder of the contemporary jazz group, The Rippingtons and for the past 25 years he and his fellow bandmates have received Grammy nominations and awards as well as produced a total of 8 studio albums. The newest and recently released album, Built To Last debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts. The Rippington albums are predominantly inspired by the places Russ Freeman has traveled to, or dreamed about, including Aruba, Kenya, Morocco, and Sahara.

Although the members of the contemporary jazz group haven't stayed consistent for the past 25 years, the group of five men who make up The Rippingtons today, are better than ever. Jeff Kashiwa, Dave Karason, Bill Heler, Rico Belled, and of course Russ Freeman bring an energy and sound to each and every Rippington favorite.

Jeff Kashiwa has been with the group since 2007 and plays the saxaphone and the ewl. Dave Karason joined The Rippingtons in 1999 and is the drummer of the group. A member since 1998, Bill Heler plays the keyboard. Rico Belled is the newest member at 3 years and plays the bass. Rounding off the five, Russ Freeman is the founder of the Rippingtons and has been writing and producing the majority of the songs the band performs.

Tickets for this show are $17-32 and are available starting Thursday, Oct. 4 at noon in the NPAC box office at 10700 SR 118 S., Van Wert or by phone at (419) 238-6722. Tickets are also available online at www.npacvw.org or on the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of NW Ohio facebook page.